(Source: Lostpine — The 27 Grievances Explained)
🔹 1. Original Grievance
“He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.”
🔹 2. What This Meant to the Colonists
British naval forces attacked coastal towns, destroyed property, and endangered civilians.
🔹 3. Historical Context
Lord Dunmore, the royal governor of Virginia, seized colonial ships and attempted to disarm militias. British Captain Henry Mowat burned Falmouth (now Portland, Maine) in a nine‑hour bombardment. Colonists also fought back, capturing the British ship Margaretta in the first naval battle of the Revolution.
🔹 4. Constitutional Response
- Article I, Section 8 — Congress controls war powers.
- Civilian oversight prevents military abuse.
🔹 5. Key Vocabulary
- Plunder
- Naval assault
- Militia
🔹 6. Critical Thinking Questions
- Why did coastal attacks increase support for independence?
- How does the Constitution prevent military aggression against citizens?
- Why is civilian control of the military essential?
🔹 7. Short Writing Prompt
Describe how Grievance 24 shows the colonists’ belief that government must protect communities, not destroy them.
🔹 8. Extension Activity
Create a map showing key coastal attacks leading up to the Revolution.